September 24, 2012 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which an officer discharged his duty weapon following a pursuit that began at 5800 South Gessner about 6 a.m. today (Sept. 24).

Officer J.M. Reyes, who discharged his weapon, was not injured in this incident.  Officer Reyes was sworn in as an officer in July, 2009 and is assigned to the Midwest Patrol Division.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Chandler and Senior Police Officer K. Carr reported:

Officer Reyes responded to a burglary of a motor vehicle call at 5800 South Gessner.  Upon arrival, he observed two males standing outside the vehicle reported as being burglarized.  When Officer Reyes attempted to stop the two suspects, both jumped into a white van and fled the scene.  A short vehicle pursuit ensued, during which the passenger fled on foot and culminated in the driver jumping out of the vehicle at 8000 Edgemoor.  The driver then fled on foot.  After attempting to conceal himself behind a fence, the suspect then turned toward the officer and reached into his waistband, as if he was retrieving a weapon.  Officer Reyes, fearing for his safety, discharged his duty weapon one time in the direction of the suspect.  It is not believed the suspect, who then fled the scene, was struck.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents within the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.



KJS/JFC  9-24-12
Inc. #121514812